Methamphetamine

The Most Dangerous Drug on Earth.

Methamphetamine Addiction and Rehab

General Information:

Methamphetamine is a stimulant of
the central and sympathetic nervous systems. It was manufactured in 1919. It appears in the form of an
odorless, white, bitter-tasting crystalline powder. It is taken orally, snorted,
smoked; dissolved in alcohol or water and injected. Injecting or smoking it
delivers it quickly to the brain where it produces an intense sensation of
euphoria. But, because the pleasure fades soon, users tend to repeatedly take
doses in a ‘crash’ or ‘binge’ pattern.

To attain top performance during
World War II, pilots of the British Royal Air Force and German Luftwaffe used
methamphetamine. A lot of athletes and mountaineers have been using Meth since
it has the ability to mask our body’s signs of exhaustion. However, it only
masks the exhaustion, it doesn’t diminish it, which is why when athletes use Meth,
they tend to overwork/overextend themselves and collapse.

The reason it is called the ‘most dangerous drug on earth’
is because it is widely available since it is manufactured out of everyday
household products. The main ingredient in Meth is ephedrine or pseudo-ephedrine, which are found in over-the-counter cold medicines. It is also extremely
dangerous because it is made using caustic, harsh chemicals.

Research has found that Meth
damages the brain neurons: damage that does not recover even after usage has
stopped. Some of the damage may even promote Parkinson’s disease. Meth is said
to raise blood pressure, and overdose can even rupture the aorta, which has catastrophic consequences. Over-usage can even cause kidney failure, heart
attacks, convulsions, permanently impair vision, and can even cut blood flow to
the optic nerve. Although meth is said to open lung airways and help in
breathing, overdose can lead to temporary emphysema. Visual and auditory
hallucinations, psychosis, paranoia, and delusions are also spotted.

Meth basically increases the amount of dopamine in the
brain, which is a pleasure inducing
chemical. Dopamine is associated with motivation and reward. It releases
approximately twelve times the dopamine that sex, food, or other pleasurable
activities do. Repeated use of it can lead to chronic addiction forcing the
user to compulsively seek the drug.

Meth also increases the risk of contracting and spreading
sexual diseases like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV because it tends to
alter judgment and lower inhibitions in people, leading to risky sexual
activities like unprotected sex. These diseases can also come due to negligible
needle hygiene.

ONSET OF WITHDRAWALS:

Next day

DURATION OF WITHDRAWALS

1 - 4 Weeks

Signs and Symptoms:

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Intense craving for methamphetamines

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Shaking and tremors

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Fever, chills, and profuse sweating

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Hypertension

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Sleep disturbances

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Heart palpitations

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Deep, dark depression

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Decreased energy

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Nausea and vomiting

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Resumption of eating, leading to weight gain

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Teeth grinding

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Respiratory failure

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Emotional liability

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Seizures

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Anhedonia

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Suicidal ideations

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Coma

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Death

Drug Specific Withdrawal Symptoms

Methamphetamine withdrawals can be severe depending on the amount and duration of use. One can expect to experience immense body heat and erratic mood swings. Also, damages to the oral cavity will cause a deterioration commonly known as "Meth Mouth".